The Chicago Tribune is reporting that the NBA has taken a step backwards with the return of Michael Jordan.  While the league was just picking itself up after his departure, turning to future stars such as Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady and others, now Jordan is back he will once again steal the limelight.  "These guys have Michael Jordan athleticism, which wasn't true the last few years. There were plays only Michael could make. Now you see these kids making those plays. And now they have a chance to see if they can outplay Jordan. It's going to create a lot of interest in the NBA this season." said Pacers president Donnie Walsh.

"It was a slow process, but finally last year people started to watch Vince and Kobe. They started to appreciate [Shaquille O'Neal] for his size and mobility and the way he could dominate and seeing Iverson was a tough competitor," one team executive said. "All of a sudden Michael's back and the focus will be on him. They might take a back seat a little and we'll see how they react to that."

The positive is that the league will get more money from his return.  TNT and NBC are both expected to pick up the maximum allowable Wizards games this coming season after only scheduling one between them pre-comeback, starting with the season opener in New York.  Every Wizards game is expected to be a sellout, and this also happens to be the final year of the NBA's TV contract.  Nike is said to be preparing a new Jordan sneaker, and new advertising campaigns are already in production from Jordan's other sponsors.

For so very, very long, it was Michael Jordan's world: Michael's jumpers, Michael's dunks, Michael's tongue. The man could do whatever he wanted, and when he did, everyone else usually followed. Shave your head? Sure, Michael did it. Deck out in designer suits? Michael's doing it, so call your tailor.

Now, well, now is different. The NBA is no longer the playground of one but the nightclub act of many as Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, Allen Iverson and Vince Carter spin to a rhythm all their own. The music, the moves, the cities where the game's power boils have all shifted as a new generation has not only firmly plunked itself onto Jordan's throne but redecorated his castle.

The goods have not yet hit the shelves, but the buyers are already clamoring for the first wave of Michael Jordan Washington Wizards merchandise.

Wizards odds drop, NBA's interest rises